A new ‘carrot and stick’ approach aimed at improving driving behaviour on Bahrain’s roads is being considered by MPs, combining stricter enforcement with incentives for good drivers who consistently follow traffic rules.
The proposal, submitted by the Strategic Thinking Bloc led by Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman Ahmed Al Salloom, calls for a reward-based system to operate alongside existing fines, points deductions and licence suspensions.
“As there are punishments, there should also be rewards,” Mr Al Salloom said. “People who abide by traffic laws should be incentivised and presented as role models for others. This is about building a culture of responsible driving, not just penalising mistakes.”
Under the current 2014 Traffic Law, motorists receive 20 points annually, with points deducted for offences such as speeding, not wearing seat-belts or using mobile phones while driving. Once points are exhausted, licences are revoked for three months, with harsher penalties for repeat violations.
However, MPs argue the system focuses entirely on punishment and ignores thousands of drivers who obey the law throughout the year.
Bloc spokesman MP Khalid Bu Onk said the proposal seeks to introduce balance. “The current framework only records negative behaviour,” he said. “A driver who follows the rules for 12 months receives nothing, while offenders can sometimes reduce fines by paying early. That is not fair and does not encourage positive conduct.”
He added that incentives could include discounts on licence renewals, vehicle registration fees or other government services, without requiring amendments to the law with executive bylaws being enough.
Bloc member MP Dr Mariam Al Dhaen said international research shows that preventive incentives are often more effective than penalties alone. “Rewarding safe drivers is not a luxury – it is a proven public safety tool,” she said. “Fewer accidents mean fewer emergency responses, lower healthcare costs and less emotional trauma for families.”
She cited World Health Organisation data indicating that road crashes cost countries between one and two per cent of GDP, depending on income levels. “These are losses Bahrain can reduce through smarter policy,” she added.
The proposal has also been backed by Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif, who stressed the importance of community engagement. “When people feel appreciated for doing the right thing, they are more likely to continue,” he said. “Even modest incentives can have a powerful impact on behaviour.”
The initiative comes as Bahrain prepares to activate the first phase of its hi-tech smart camera system, which will detect violations including speeding, running red lights, using emergency lanes, mobile phone use while driving, failure to wear seat-belts and children sitting in the front seat.
The Interior Ministry said awareness campaigns will be intensified to highlight the violations monitored by the system, following national concern after six road deaths were recorded in January alone.
MPs believe that combining advanced enforcement technology with a structured rewards system could significantly improve road safety and restore confidence among responsible motorists.
The proposal will now be reviewed by Parliament’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee in co-ordination with the Interior Ministry.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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